Gravitational Force: Evidence & Distance

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The discussion centers on the nature of gravitational force and its behavior over vast distances. Participants explore whether gravity diminishes at extreme ranges, contrasting it with other forces like the strong nuclear force. Observations suggest that gravitational attraction is evident on a large scale, such as between galaxies, indicating the theory's applicability throughout the universe. However, questions arise about the effects of the universe's expansion, particularly if it could outpace the speed of light and thereby limit gravitational influence. Ultimately, while gravity appears to function over great distances, the nuances of its reach and interaction with cosmic expansion remain topics of inquiry.
Blenton
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How do we know that the force of gravitation continues indefinitely with respect to distance? Is there any evidence to support it? Could it be possible that it works on a large scale, but drops to zero at a certain distance much like other forces eg. strong nuclear?
 
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Hi there,

It could certainly be. Therefore, you would need very, very, very far to see if you ideas could maybe work. Because, we just notice, by looking up in the sky, that the gravitational theroy seems to work even on larger scales, e.g. attraction between galaxies. Therefore, we could suppose that the mathematical model can be applied anywhere in the Universe.

Cheers
 
At some distance 2 objects will no longer feel gravity from each other due to the expanding universe.
That is if gravity travels at the speed of light. Others here can correct me if I am wrong here but at some point wouldn’t the speed of expansion exceed the speed of light. The expansion is cumulative isn’t it?
If we know how much expansion there is in a given distance could we find the distance where the expansion exceeds the speed of light, and is this making any sense to anyone?
I have been pondering this for some time now.
 
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Because, we just notice, by looking up in the sky, that the gravitational theroy seems to work even on larger scales, e.g. attraction between galaxies.

But do we notice the furthest galaxy having an attraction on the furthest galaxy away from that one? Perhaps its only neighbouring galaxies that have any effect on each other.
 
In this video I can see a person walking around lines of curvature on a sphere with an arrow strapped to his waist. His task is to keep the arrow pointed in the same direction How does he do this ? Does he use a reference point like the stars? (that only move very slowly) If that is how he keeps the arrow pointing in the same direction, is that equivalent to saying that he orients the arrow wrt the 3d space that the sphere is embedded in? So ,although one refers to intrinsic curvature...

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